Manly Startup Launches Digital Wallet with Manly Sea Eagles

NSW cloud and smartphone solution startup Nicco has launched the pilot for a new digital wallet with IBM and Manly Warringah Sea Eagles, leveraging artificial intelligence to improve fans’ experience at home games.

Based in Manly, Nicco’s cloud and smartphone solution can be deployed throughout entire business ecosystems to connect each customer touchpoint to collect previously unseen data and use advanced AI to enhance the customer experience and convenience.

Member for Manly James Griffin said the project was developed with the support of the NSW Government’s Minimum Viable Product (MVP) grants program.

“It’s fantastic see such an innovative local startup, based right here in Manly, succeed in the booming technology and AI space,” Mr Griffin said.

Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the MVP grants were designed for pre-revenue technology startups to help them engage with a potential business customer, or channel to market, achieve market validation and first sale.

“The grants match 50% of the cost of developing an idea or a prototype into a minimum viable product, up to $25,000,” Mr Ayres said.

Nicco Founder and CEO Richelle Nicols said sporting clubs are still recovering from the repercussions of COVID and are somewhat under resourced themselves.

“This boost of funding from the MVP grant has really enabled Nicco to dedicate resources to piloting our digital wallet solution for the Manly Sea Eagles – which has created a lot of momentum for Nicco with other sporting clubs as well, thanks to the visibility we’re getting,” Ms Nicols said.

Sea Eagles Chief Commercial Officer Luke Tucker said Nicco had the potential to save money on point of service hardware and increase food, beverage, and merchandise sales.

“It’s also a big plus for the health and safety of our Members and fans as it helps reduce queues and keeps everyone well-spaced out,” Mr Tucker said.